Highlander Partners Acquires Ergobaby
DALLAS, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Highlander Partners, L.P., a private investment firm based in Dallas, has announced its acquisition of The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. (commonly known as Ergobaby) from Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI). Established in 2003 and located in Los Angeles, Ergobaby is recognized as the leading global provider of premium baby carriers. The company’s products are designed to maximize comfort and ergonomic support for both infants and caregivers. Ergobaby employs around 170 individuals and distributes its products through more than 1,800 retail locations across over 75 countries.
Ergobaby’s Diverse Brand Portfolio
Ergobaby boasts a robust portfolio that consists of three prominent brands: Ergobaby, which is renowned for its premium baby carriers; Tula, celebrated for its functional carriers adorned with vibrant prints and crafted with artisan skills; and Belly Bandit, a brand dedicated to maternity and postpartum solutions, addressing needs during pregnancy, recovery, and nursing. Ergobaby’s extensive range of products includes ergonomically designed baby carriers, wraps, strollers, bouncers, highchairs, maternity support bands, and various accessories for feeding, sleep, and nursing, all tailored to assist parents and their children throughout the stages of pregnancy and early development.
Highlander Partners’ Vision for Growth
Jeff L. Hull, President and CEO of Highlander Partners, stated, “This acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in leading consumer product brands. As the top baby carrier brand worldwide, Ergobaby presents significant growth potential through innovation, market expansion, and heightened consumer engagement. We also have a proven strategy of employing a ‘buy and build’ approach with our investments, which we believe will unlock substantial merger and acquisition opportunities that can enhance Ergobaby’s offerings in the juvenile products sector.”
Excitement from Ergobaby’s Leadership
Jason Frame, CEO of Ergobaby, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Highlander, highlighting the benefits of their expertise in branded consumer products. He noted that the management team is invigorated, with a pipeline brimming with new possibilities. Frame emphasized that their brands enjoy strong consumer recognition and are in an excellent position to maintain their historical success going forward.
Advisory Support for the Acquisition
Robert W. Baird & Co served as the exclusive financial advisor for this transaction, while Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provided legal counsel to Compass Diversified. Meanwhile, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP represented Highlander in legal matters.
About Ergobaby
Founded in 2003 by a mother driven by the belief that every parenting moment, even the challenging ones, is magical, Ergobaby is dedicated to providing parents with high-quality products that promote comfort and ease. Their award-winning offerings include baby carriers, strollers, bouncers, and more, designed to empower parents in their journey.
About Highlander Partners
Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm managing over $3 billion in assets. The firm invests its proprietary capital in targeted industries where its principals have considerable operational and investment expertise. Highlander employs a buy and build strategy, focusing on fostering growth both organically and through acquisitions.
